The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, which is expected to bring rain and winds of up to 80mph to parts of the UK this weekend. The storm will initially hit Ireland on Sunday morning and then track northeastwards to reach the UK early on Sunday morning, leading to likely power cuts, damage to buildings, and travel disruption. Dozens of flood warnings are also in place.
The worst impacts are expected along the length of Scotland’s west coast and the Hebrides, where a more severe amber warning is in force from 9 am until midnight. The Met Office has cautioned about the likelihood of injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts, and properties.
A yellow alert has been issued for coastal areas, warning of a risk to life, power cuts, damage to buildings, and disruption for those traveling by road, rail, air, and ferry. It covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, the west coast of Wales, and parts of northern England. Additionally, a yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued in south Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wisson stated that Storm Ashley will bring strong winds for most of the UK on Sunday before clearing on Monday. The winds could potentially reach 70 to 80mph in exposed areas of western Scotland, with gusts of 50 to 60mph possible in other areas. The combination of strong winds and high spring tides may cause disruption, so it is important for people to stay updated with the latest forecast and warnings.
In addition to the weather warnings, the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have issued flood warnings and alerts in various regions across the UK. Travel operators are advising people to check for cancellations, and the organisers of the Great South Run in Portsmouth have canceled the event due to safety concerns related to the forecasted winds and high tide levels.
As the storm approaches, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Stay tuned for further updates on Storm Ashley and follow the advice of local authorities to minimize the impact of the severe weather.
